Visits4u Itineraries: Modern Art and Culture Route Sigulda, Latvia
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visits4u itineraries : Modern Art and Culture Route Sigulda, Latvia visits4u is co-funded by the COSME Programme of the European Union Sigulda, Latvia: Modern Art and Culture Route Description of the town Sigulda is located on a picturesque stretch of the primeval Gauja river valley. Because of the reddish Devonian sandstone, which forms steep rocks and caves on both banks of the river, Sigulda has been called the "Switzerland of Vidzeme". Sigulda was founded in 1207, when the German crusaders were dividing up their spoils, Gauja was chosen as the boundary in this area between the territories of the Knights of the Sword, who took the land south of the river, and of the archbishop of Riga, who took the north side. Both built prominent castles, as much to guard against each other, one suspects, as against any local uprising. Located just 53 kilometers from Riga with almost 12,000 inhabitants, Sigulda is one of the most visited cities in Latvia apart from Riga. Picture of a park in Sigulda where the symbol of the city – colored cane – is displayed Sigulda’s territory covers 18.2 square kilometers, but as its relief is not very flat and places of interest are far apart from each other, it is recommended to rent a car for discovering the city. www.visits4u.eu Project No: 699484 | Call: COS – TOUR – 2015 – 3 – 04 – 1 Page 1 The content of this document represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains visits4u is co-funded by the COSME Programme of the European Union The map below shows the city of Sigulda. www.visits4u.eu Project No: 699484 | Call: COS – TOUR – 2015 – 3 – 04 – 1 Page 2 The content of this document represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains visits4u is co-funded by the COSME Programme of the European Union Sigulda Modern Art and Culture Route: One day route Luge track (1) – Sigulda Castle ruins (2) – Cable car (3) – Gutman’s cave (4) – Turaida Castle (5) The map above indicates how long it takes to go from one place to another. Please note that it is the average time, for each person the walking speed and pace are different If you start to from Sigulda train/bus station, the distances between places are: • Siguldas train/bus station to Luge track - 850 meters • Luge track to Sigulda castle ruins – 2.5 kilometers • Sigulda castle ruins to Cable car – 1.1 kilometers • Cable car to Gutman’s cave – 1.8 kilometers • Gutman’s cave to Turaida castle – 1 kilometer (steep hill up ) www.visits4u.eu Project No: 699484 | Call: COS – TOUR – 2015 – 3 – 04 – 1 Page 3 The content of this document represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains visits4u is co-funded by the COSME Programme of the European Union General access information If you choose to walk, the route/pavement is very different from one place to other, there are places where there is even no pavement at all. As distances from each places is quite far, the route can change a lot and be adapted to your requirements or preferences. There are good pavements where you can walk without problems or obstacles and pavements where the surface is not good and without dropped kerbs. Therefore we suggest to use car or taxi if you have walking difficulties or you use a wheelchair, especially when if you want s needed to travel long distance from one place to other. Also the route can be quite steep in some places, because Sigulda is located on a hilly place. Most pavements are without tactile which might present challenges for visually impaired persons You can easily reach Sigulda from Riga by train or bus. As the train cars are accessed only by steps it is possible to pre-book a special assistance service. You have to request it 48 hours before your travel calling to +37180001181 on weekdays 8am-5pm. If you want to go by bus from Riga’s international coach terminal and you need help to get on the bus, it is necessary to requeset assistance at latest 36 hours in advance. Assistance can be ordered via telephone +371 67226658 or online, by means of filling in an electronic application form and sending it to this email: [email protected] For further information go to the company’s website: www.autoosta.lv) If you wish to rent a car the only international car rental company that provides also cars who are adapted for manual control is SIXT. Getting around Sigulda is tricky. City buses are not very frequent and they are not accessible for wheelchair users. We recommend to rent a car. www.visits4u.eu Project No: 699484 | Call: COS – TOUR – 2015 – 3 – 04 – 1 Page 4 The content of this document represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains visits4u is co-funded by the COSME Programme of the European Union 1. Sigulda Luge and Bobsleigh Track Located on 13 Šveices Street 13, LV-2150, Sigulda, Phone: +371 67973813, +371 29185351, e-mail: [email protected] You can get there from the train station in 15 minutes. Access information Available at http://www.bobtrase.lv There is no simplified information on the webpage, and the information for people with disabilities is not highlighted. It is possible to arrange a ride on the bobsleigh track by calling in advance. The surface is stable, but assistance might be needed, since the facility has many stairs leading to the service. There are no marked parking places for people with disabilities, but it is possible to conveniently park your car when there are no ongoing competitions. You must note there might be restroom issues, since they are not adjusted for people with disabilities. There are no induction loops, as well as no benches for resting. www.visits4u.eu Project No: 699484 | Call: COS – TOUR – 2015 – 3 – 04 – 1 Page 5 The content of this document represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains visits4u is co-funded by the COSME Programme of the European Union 2. Sigulda Castle ruins Located on 18 Pils Street, Sigulda, telephone +371 67970263 Constructed in 1207 as a “castellum” type fortress, it was later reconstructed as a convent type of building. Since 2012 it is possible to climb up the North tower and the Main Gate tower, walk along the castle walls and enjoy the medieval aura. Opening hours May - September: Mon – Sun , 9am - 8pm / October: Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm, Sat – Sun , 9am – 7pm / November –April, Mon – Sun, 9am – 5pm Prices Adults - 2.00 EUR; Students and seniors - 1.00 EUR; Families (2 adults + 2 and more children younger than 15) - 5.00 EUR The journey from Sigulda Luge and Bobsleigh Track takes 26 minutes. Access information There are no marked parking spaces for people with disabilities; however, there is a sufficient number of regular parking spaces right next to the area. There is a good and solid surface from the parking lot to the /area that is also convenient for wheelchairs. The ticket center is right next to the /area in which there are restrooms suitable for people with disabilities. There is a tactile map at the ticket centre, which can conveniently be used by people with visual impairments. There is no specific information in Braille or large print. There are guidelines at the area for visually impaired people. The North tower at the area is renovated and can easily be accessed with the help of an elevator. www.visits4u.eu Project No: 699484 | Call: COS – TOUR – 2015 – 3 – 04 – 1 Page 6 The content of this document represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises or any other body of the European Union.